Guilt Edged

A slew of personal problems preoccupy Lina Townend in Cutler’s bustling sixth mystery featuring the Kent antique dealer (after 2012’s Guilt Trip). Business partner and mentor Griff Tripp is having a major heart operation; boyfriend Reginald Morris is ignoring her calls; her father, Lord Elham, is being even more demanding than usual; and the police are watching both Lord Elham and her mentor, antique dealer Titus Oates, for shady dealings. In addition, Lina is sure something is wrong with the Beswick model horse she’s being offered, and she’s getting strong vibes from a couple of miniature portraits buried in auction lots. When more of both start cropping up in various places, Lina’s curiosity attracts dangerous attention. The antiques trade draws all kinds of interesting characters on both sides of the legal divide, and Cutler limns them all well, particularly those who straddle the line. Fans of Jonathan Gash’s Lovejoy series should especially enjoy Lina’s adventures. (Sept.)